Planning Board Minutes of July 2, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Steve Hamilton. In addition to the chairman, members Stacy Glover, Laura Lewandowski, Mark Smith, and Ann Sweet were present. Members Dave Jakway and Kevin Wheeler were absent. Laura Merrifield represented the selectmen. Also present were Mark Paquette and Paul LeClerc.

The Chairman asked that the minutes show that Stacy Glover stood in for Dave Jakway.

A motion (Merrifield/Smith) to approve the minutes of June 4 passed without dissent.

Request for extension of a driveway permit application: Mark PaquetteIn 2007, Mark Paquette and his co-owner of a three-lot subdivision on Gilsum Road applied for a driveway permit and paid the escrow amount required for the paved apron. Since no construction had been begun, the apron was never laid down, and the escrow money has sat in the town coffers. The selectmen have been trying to resolve the issue of uncompleted aprons by sending a letter to the property owners who still have money in escrow for the aprons. There was some discussion of whether the permit could be extended after the one year lapse or whether a new permit needed to be filed. Mr. Paquette decided he wanted the town to use the escrow and construct the apron when it could conveniently do so, one of the options given in the letter.

Request for a driveway permit extension: Paul LeClercMr. LeClerc’s permit for a driveway cut at 143 Apple Hill Road expires August 7, 2014. His request for an extension comes within the 30 days prior to expiration. A motion (Smith/Lewandowski) to grant a six-month extension passed without dissent.

Driveway regulations discussionMs. Glover expressed concern about extending permits without also increasing the escrow requirement, since building materials may increase in price over the extension of the time period. She suggested that the board review the regulations with regard to the escrow for discussion at the next meeting.

Chairman Hamilton handed to Mrs. Merrifield a letter to Mr. Csenge regarding his need to provide escrow for his three driveway cuts. He also said he would send a letter to Del Ouellette III on Valley Road regarding what appear to be a new driveway behind the garage and a widening of the existing driveway. A question was raised about whether he might be contemplating a business operation, which would require a special exception from the ZBA.

Master Plan update: • Conservation and Preservation Chapter. The board reviewed the draft and made several corrections.• Section on the Town Hall from the Community Services and Public Buildings Chapter. Mrs. Merrifield reported that Mr. Patnode will have a draft completed after the next selectmen’s meeting.• Traffic and Transportation. Chairman Hamilton said he would bring that draft chapter to the next meeting.

Southwest Regional Planning CommissionChairman Hamilton noted that each member town is supposed to have two people representing the town as commissioners. There are two names on the books, but neither has been active for several years. He offered himself, and Ms. Glover promised to consider the possibility. No one else volunteered.

Pervasiveness of invasive plant species in townMrs. Sweet observed that multiflora rose, an aggressively spreading bush, seems to be everywhere in town, even behind the town hall between it and the fire station. It can take over untended fields and brushy patches. Japanese knotweed is spreading on town roadsides. Glossy buckthorn can take over woodlots. Burning bush (euonymus alatus) has been planted everywhere, even in front of the town hall.

Town property mapsTown property maps have not been updated since 2007. The selectmen are anxious to comply with state law requiring updates. Mrs. Merrifield has spent many hours compiling the information needed by SWRPC for revising the maps. The plat for one property subdivision/property line adjustment has not yet been found. The update by SWRPC will cost about $3000, which had not been budgeted and will be an unanticipated burden to the town.

Fernandez property under injunction on Gilsum RoadThe lack of a legal septic system and a properly sited well continues to be an issue. A hearing will be held in mid-August.

There being no further business, a motion (Merrifield/Lewandowski) to adjourn passed without dissent at 8:30 p.m.